FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna H. Edwards Shine a Light on the Fight Against Sex Trafficking in Riveting Documentary: "Turning the Tide," Exclusively on PBS
New Orleans, LA – Wednesday, October 18th – PBS WYES, in an extraordinary partnership with Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna H. Edwards, is elated to unveil the debut of the gripping documentary, "Turning the Tide." This cinematic masterpiece, crafted by the talents of Karen Swensen (producer, writer, and narrator) and Aaron Brownlee (photographer, director, and editor), takes audiences on a profound exploration into the labyrinthine world of sex trafficking in Louisiana.
"Turning the Tide" transcends the boundaries of traditional documentaries; it's a chronicle of pain, recovery, and hope. This compelling film not only unveils the grim reality of sex trafficking in Louisiana but also spotlights the indomitable members of the Louisiana First Foundation, under the exceptional leadership of First Lady Donna Edwards, as they wage a relentless battle against this scourge.
“It’s far simpler to profit from selling a human than from selling drugs.” -- Trooper Amy Juneau, an investigator with the Louisiana State Police, featured in the program
The heart-wrenching narrative follows Dani, a survivor who endured unimaginable torment in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Her year-long ordeal involved imprisonment in a cramped 6-by-8-foot chicken-wire cage, malnutrition, insect bites, and unspeakable acts of brutality. Alliece Cole of the Sparrow Foundation vividly recalls her initial encounter with Dani. "When I first met Dani," she reminisces, "she was almost silent—couldn't find her voice. So we colored together. Dani poured her heart into coloring, and one day, she began to open up." Her rescue led to federal charges against her captors, with the potential for life imprisonment if convicted.
The documentary's premiere is scheduled for Monday, October 23rd at 8 PM, with encore broadcasts on Wednesday, October 25th at 10 PM and Monday, October 30th at 9 PM.
Following the Documentary:
The documentary will be followed by a special 30-minute program hosted by Karen Swensen, featuring Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards, Dr. Dana Hunter (Executive Director, Governor's Office of Human Trafficking Prevention), Acting Assistant FBI Special Agent in Charge Charles Koger, and Michelle Johnson (Sex Trafficking Expert). Discussions will delve into how Louisiana can enhance its response to the human trafficking crisis and the available resources.
Meet the Heroes Behind "Turning the Tide":
The unsung heroes behind "Turning the Tide" are the Sparrow Foundation and its two extraordinary advocates, Alliece Cole and Michelle Johnson.
Alliece Cole, a graduate of Northwestern University with over 40 years experience, has dedicated her life to aiding victims of crisis. Early in her career, she rose from being a caseworker to an investigator and regional trainer for the Department of Children & Family Services. Cole's tireless efforts included providing assistance to human trafficking victims and women leaving the sex industry. Her contributions resulted in multiple Governor's Committees and legislative initiatives to combat human trafficking. In 2014, she received the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and continued to receive accolades for her anti-trafficking work. Currently, Ms. Cole directs the Sparrow Foundation's statewide anti-trafficking initiative, delivering essential services to survivors.
Michelle Johnson, Founder of Michelle Johnson Consulting, offers Expert Solutions for Justice and Survivor-Centered Care to agencies supporting exploitation and trafficking victims. Johnson's dedication is unparalleled, as she collaborates with the Sparrow Foundation to provide Trafficking Awareness training to various stakeholders. Her appointments by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Human Trafficking Prevention Advisory Board and the Louisiana Survivor Advisory Council underscore her pivotal role in shaping anti-trafficking initiatives. Johnson's advocacy efforts led to groundbreaking legislation known as the "Michelle Johnson Act," which provides expedited expungements for trafficking survivors.
Don't miss the premiere of "Turning the Tide," where you can witness stories of resilience and the unwavering commitment of Alliece Cole, Michelle Johnson, and the Sparrow Foundation in the fight against sex trafficking in Louisiana.
After the premiere, stay tuned to PBS for the official release date of "Turning the Tide," when it will be available for nationwide viewing.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, please contact: info@thesparrow.foundation.
About PBS WYES: PBS WYES is a trusted public media organization dedicated to serving the Gulf Coast region through engaging content, educational programs, and community outreach. For over six decades, PBS WYES has been a beacon of quality programming, making a profound impact on the lives of its viewers.